This year a new class has been added to the lineup. The Enduro class will feature any street car/truck of any shape, size and model. The only rules are the vehicles must have a four-point roll cage with door bars and removal of all glass. All races will be run in either direction with obstacles placed around the track. The winning cars/trucks can be claimed for $1,500.

Greg Dinsmore is expected to return to defend his IMCA Modified championship. Last season he collected his third IMCA Modified track title, second at I-37 Raceway. The class average over 10 cars per race last season and is one of the most competitive racing divisions at the speedway.

In the IMCA Southern Sportmods division, Johnny Torres returns as the defending champion after winning his fourth IMCA Southern Sportmod championship last season. This year he will compete with a new chassis while his brother Alan will compete with his old car.

Track officials said they spent the offseason making improvements to the track and its facilities. Some of the improvement projects included remodeling the snack bar and restrooms and reconfiguring the track and the race surface. A soft wall was added in Turn 4 and more concrete was poured around the concession stand area.

I-37 Raceway is located just south of Pleasanton at 101748 Interstate 37. From San Antonio, take Exit 104, turn left and follow the IH37 excess road approximately two miles past the Dairy Queen. The track is located on the left.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (65+), $8 for military (with ID), $7 for kids (7-10) and free for kids six and under. Pit admission is $25.00.

Racing resumes at Thunderhill: Track officials at Thunderhill Raceway will host their second race of the season tonight at the 3/8-mile speedway near Kyle.

Grandstand gates will open on Saturday at 5 p.m. A Meet the Drivers autograph session is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., followed by the opening ceremony and feature races immediately afterwards.

Admission for the grandstands is $12 for adults (including tax), with a $2 discount for seniors, military, police and EMS personnel (with ID). Children 12 and under are free. Parking is $2.

Leave of absence: Debbie Williams, who is currently the Director of Operations at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, TX, will be taking a Leave of Absence for the next several weeks.

Williams was diagnosed with breast cancer in early October and has been undergoing chemotherapy for the last few months. She said that she will continue to fulfill her duties of her position during this period of time.

“I’ve developed severe anemia from the cumulative treatments,” commented Williams. “Although I’ve already completed most of the treatments with the harsh drugs, the side effects are still a problem. I’m currently under strict doctor’s orders for complete rest during the next few weeks.”

“So, I know that I need to place my full focus on getting well until my body completely recovers from the strain that the chemo has caused,” added Williams. “I just know that I can’t perform at full capacity any more, and I’m not comfortable with doing less than my best to get everything done at the race track.”

Colleen Naumann, who has been Williams’ assistant over the past few weeks, will step up as the Acting Director of Operations while Williams is out on leave. Drivers, race teams, staff, fans and media are asked to direct their questions, comments, etc., to Naumann at 512-426-5782 (cell) or colleennaumann@yahoo.com.

Index racing: San Antonio Raceway will host the first IHRA Summit Super Series Bracket Index race of the 2012 racing season tonight at the quarter-mile dragstrip near Marion.

The event will feature index racing in the SAR Electronics, Footbrake and Junior Dragster classes. For more information, visit SanAntonioRaceway.com.

NHRA tickets: The 25th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals will be held at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown on April 27-29. Tickets start as low as $25. For ticket information, visit NHRA.com or RoyalPurpleRaceway.com.